Pennsylvania Native Landscaping Rebates

Cost-share for one stormwater management tool per property: rain gardens at $22 per square foot up to $2,500, or permeable pavers at $20 per square foot up to $2,500 (a property cannot receive both). Metal downspout planters are also available, with PWD contributing $1,100 and a $100 participant cost. Rain barrels are free, including installation, and can be received in addition to one cost-share tool. To apply, attend a free required virtual Rain Check workshop, then follow the PHS follow-up email instructions, which include a waiver signed by the property owner. Cost-share tools require a $25 property consultation before installation, and an optional $25 Whole House Assessment is available. Eligibility is limited to Philadelphia residential properties. Renters may participate if the property owner signs the waiver. Rain Check is a cost-share program, not a reimbursement for independently completed work. Installation is completed by assigned Rain Check contractors. (Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Rain Check Program, confirmed by Britt Salen, August 2026.)

Stormwater-focused rather than turf conversion specifically, but rain gardens replace lawn area with native plantings. Effective Jan 1, 2025 rates.

Homeowners who remove up to three invasive plants receive free native tree and shrub replacements at designated events each spring. Over 1,300 invasive plants were replaced statewide in 2025. Spring 2026 events are scheduled for May. Participants who received free trees in 2025 are not eligible again in 2026.

Native replacements are provided at the event; no cash rebate. A practical way to get free native shrubs and small trees while removing invasives.

Grants of $500–$1,500 for projects using Pennsylvania native plant materials. Funds may be used for native plant purchases, project supplies, and project-specific educational expenses. Open to individuals, nonprofits, and community groups.

This is a competitive grant program, not a guaranteed rebate, and application cycles vary.

DCNR distributes 300 free pocket meadow kits statewide in mid-May 2026. Each kit includes a native grass and wildflower seed mix plus instructions for removing lawn, planting, and maintaining a small native meadow. Kits are first-come, first-served at designated pickup locations.

This program was announced in April 2026, and quantities are limited, so it pays to act quickly once pickup dates are announced.

Reimburses 50% of project costs up to $2,500 for residential green-infrastructure projects: rain gardens, conservation landscaping, native tree plantings (canopy, riparian buffer, or shade), and de-paving / permeable pavement retrofits. Requires a Landowner Agreement with PA DEP and a 20-year maintenance commitment; first-come, first-served while funds last (Chester County Water Resources Authority; last verified June 2026).

White Clay Creek watershed residents apply through a separate track (White Clay Watershed Association), but it is the same program.

An ongoing credit on the annual stormwater fee (not a one-time rebate): up to 25% for a single-family residential property with a qualifying BMP including rain gardens, per the PA Stormwater BMP Manual. One-time $25 application fee; existing-facility applications due March 31 (Township of Hampton; last verified June 2026).

An ongoing credit on the stormwater management fee (not a one-time rebate): up to 50% for structural BMPs including rain gardens (bioretention) planted with non-invasive, preferably native vegetation. Open to single-family and properties up to 4 units; annual self-inspection (City of Lancaster Stormwater Bureau; last verified June 2026).

An ongoing credit on the stormwater charge (not a one-time rebate): a 50% reduction for residential customers (1-4 units) who control 3/4 inch of runoff from their impervious surfaces with a stormwater control measure such as a rain garden. Three-year term, then renew (Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority; last verified June 2026).

A recurring discount on the Stream Protection Fee (not a one-time rebate) for treating impervious area with a qualifying stormwater management practice such as a rain garden or bioretention. Renewal required. The borough no longer publishes its residential credit and rebate manual, so no residential credit amount is currently confirmable: ask the borough for the current figure before you budget (West Chester Borough, Stormwater Management page; the credit and rebate pages returned 404 on 2026-09-16; last verified September 2026).